'Golden': 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' OST dominates Billboard after Grammy Award nominations

The original soundtrack (OST) song 'Golden' from the Netflix animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' has created waves in the music world by securing the No. 2 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks, second only to Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia'.

It first rose from number 3 to number 2 in late October and has maintained this impressive position since. The song's popularity has propelled it to the top of various global charts, even making history as the first K-pop song performed by female artists to rank so high in multiple major markets, including the U.S., U.K., and South Korea. Yonhap News reports that this achievement not only highlights the global reach of K-pop but also signals a new era of animated music soundtracks breaking mainstream barriers.

A Chart-Dominating Soundtrack

This high-energy track, performed by the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x with members Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, is praised for its catchy melody and motivational lyrics. Besides 'Golden,' the KPop Demon Hunters OST features seven other songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100, such as 'Soda Pop' at 12th place and 'Your Idol' at 14th, showcasing the soundtrack's extraordinary influence and reach. Furthermore, the album has stayed at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart for 20 straight weeks, a feat rarely seen by animated film soundtracks.

This success has made KPop Demon Hunters an unprecedented cultural milestone for both K-pop and animated music.

Grammy Nods and Cultural Impact

Adding to its accolades, 'Golden' has garnered multiple Grammy nominations in key categories, including Song of the Year and Best Visual Media Song, underscoring its artistic and commercial impact. Its widespread appeal is credited with empowering fans worldwide and solidifying K-pop's foothold in global pop culture. Critics call 'Golden' an anthem that unifies and inspires, bridging the gap between fiction and reality in music.

The song's success marks a major achievement for animation soundtracks and female-led K-pop groups alike.